Fertilizer is an important landscaping tool that can promote the growth of grass and plants, allowing them to take root much easier. However, there are two different types of fertilizers available on the market, made out of natural and synthetic materials, respectively. Because each type of fertilizer is made out of different materials, they carry a different set of advantages and drawbacks. Understanding what each type of fertilizer has to offer can help you figure out which ones are the best choice for your landscaping project.
Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers, like their name would suggest, are made out of naturally dissolved materials and organic waste. One of the main advantages associated with organic fertilizers is the fact that, since no chemicals are used in them, they have little to no toxicity and will not cause problems with chemical imbalances if they are over-applied or spilled. Additionally, since nutrients have to break down to be released from organic fertilizers, there is little chance of nutrient leaching. This also means that organic fertilizers are effectively "slow release," and will require relatively few applications to produce results in your yard.
However, organic fertilizers can be fairly prohibitive when it comes to price, since the organic materials used in them tend to be harder and more labor intensive to gather. Furthermore, this means that organic fertilizers tend to be available in smaller packages, further making them less ideal for applications over a large area of land.
Synthetic Fertilizers
Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, are made out of nutrients and chemicals specially designed to boost the growth of plants. Because they are laboratory devised, they tend to be more affordable, making them ideal for larger applications and landscaping projects on tight budgets. Further, they release chemicals and nutrients into the soil much faster than their organic counterparts, meaning that results are usually faster to manifest themselves.
However, synthetic fertilizers do have some downsides. First of all, the rapid growth associated with them is largely superficial and will not come with corresponding strong root networks. This means that your plants may still require care to properly take hold in your yard, including further consistent applications of fertilizer. Furthermore, the harsh chemicals in synthetic fertilizers can cause nutrient leaching in the soil and can pose an environmental hazard if they end up in the water run-off from your landscaping project. Over-application can also burn and kill plants, meaning synthetic fertilizers require more care during application.
For more information on what fertilizer would be best for your needs, contact a professional landscaping company in your area, like Wagner SOD Company.